Two hits in two games is not enough to put Marcus Thames on the Yankees bench, but those two hits combined with his track record show why the Yankees are interested. He singled off Jamie Moyer yesterday, then he drew a walk and hit a home run off Nate Robertson today. For a guy who’s being looked at for a platoon bench role, it was a good couple of days.

“It’s starting to feel comfortable,” Thames said. “It is what it is. I haven’t faced that many (lefties this spring), but I’m not using any excuses. Facing righties, I want to do well against them too, but I haven’t. I’ve hit some balls hard here and there, but getting to see some a couple of days in a row is making me feel a lot better up there.”

A few days ago, Brian Cashman suggested he might go looking for another right-handed bat, but Thames seems to the type of player he would want: Cheap, good splits, proven power and used to a role off the bench. Of course the Yankees would like better defense, more speed and a guy who’s not 33 years old, but this is a bench role. It’s not going to be filled by a perfect, all-around player.

If Thames can show something this final week, he certainly seems to have the inside track for the 25th spot on the roster. As for how often he would be used, Joe Girardi said he’s not sure.

“If it was the second day of the season and he was with us, I wouldn’t have a lineup for you right now,” Girardi said.